Airport transfers · both directions
London City is about 17 miles from Purley, through Croydon and Lewisham. A fixed £135 saloon each way, usually 45–70 minutes.
A taxi from Purley to London City Airport is £135 in a saloon, £150 in a 6-seat MPV and £160 in an 8-seater. It is about 17 miles and 45 min off-peak, or 70 min in traffic. The same fixed fares apply from London City back to Purley, and every price covers airport charges, flight tracking, waiting time and your luggage.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Purley → London City | London City → Purley |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon | up to 4 passengers, 2 large cases | from £135 | from £135 |
| MPV | up to 6 passengers, 4 large cases | from £150 | from £150 |
| 8-seater | up to 7 passengers, 7 large cases | from £160 | from £160 |
Per vehicle, not per person. Airport drop-off and pick-up charges, tolls and waiting after landing are inside the price, and it does not change on the day. Book both directions together and the return is 10% off.
The driver heads north through Croydon and Beckenham to Lewisham, then through the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnel to the airport.
By rail it is Southern to London Bridge, the Jubilee line to Canning Town and then the DLR.
By public transport: Southern to London Bridge, Jubilee line to Canning Town, then the DLR, about 65–80 min. The catch is two changes with luggage. A car does the whole trip door to door in about 45 min, or 70 min when the roads are full, with your bags in the boot.
Out of Purley (CR8) the route runs north through Croydon and Beckenham to Lewisham and the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnel. Coming back from London City the driver follows the tunnel, Lewisham and Croydon back to Purley. That is about 17 miles: reckon 45 min off-peak and 70 min when Croydon, Lewisham and the tunnel approaches is busy.
London City is small and quick. Your driver meets you just outside arrivals with a name board, usually within minutes of you leaving the aircraft.
London City is quick to leave. Your driver waits just outside arrivals.
Most London City flights need you there about an hour before departure. Croydon and Lewisham are busy before 09:30, so allow the full 70 minutes.
Check-in guide for London City Airport: one hour for most European flights. Add 45 to 70 minutes on the road and a small margin, and the booking page suggests a pickup time for your flight.
Purley sits where the A23 and the A22 meet south of Croydon, with its station and shops around Purley Cross, the large houses of the Webb Estate and Woodcote, and green spaces such as Riddlesdown, Foxley Wood and Purley Downs.
Purley Cross is a busy gyratory. For homes on the hills and private estates, give us the full address and any gate details.
We also cover nearby Kenley, Coulsdon, Sanderstead, Riddlesdown, Wallington, Old Coulsdon, South Croydon and Woodcote.
Local tip: Gatwick is much closer to Purley than London City. If your airline flies from both, it is worth comparing.
£135 in a saloon for up to four passengers, fixed at booking.
The same £135 fixed fare, with meet and greet and flight tracking.
Usually 45 to 70 minutes over about 17 miles.
Yes. Book both legs together and the return is 10% off.
About 17 miles by road: 45 minutes off-peak and up to 70 minutes in heavy traffic.
A 6-seat MPV is £150 and an 8-seater is £160, each way. Both are fixed at booking.
Yes. Add child seats, boosters and buggies on the booking form and they are fitted before the driver arrives.
No. The fare is fixed when you book. Traffic, tolls and the hour are our problem, not a line on your bill.
Fares are fixed at booking and shown per vehicle. Distances and journey times are approximate and vary with traffic and the exact pickup address. Page reviewed 28 September 2026.